Speed controlled brake



May 30, 1939. 1 McNEAL 2,160,208

SPEED CONTROLLED BRAKE Filed July 24, 1937 INVENTOR DONALD L. McNEAL ATTORNEY Patented May 30, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SPEED CONTROLLED BRAKE Application July 24, 1937, Serial No. 155,452

10 Claim.

This invention relates to speed-controlled brakes, that is, to vehicle brake systems in which the degree of application of the brakes is automatically controlled according to the speed of the vehicle.

In the copending application Serial No. 153,912 of Ellis E. Hewitt, filed July 16, 1937, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application, there is disclosed and claimed a speed-controlled brake-equipment including a fiuid-pressure-differential responsive device having a pivoted lever, subject to the opposing moments exerted by a control pressure and a supply pressure which determines the degree of application of the brakes, and operative to control the degree of the supply pressure in varying ratio to the control pressure dependent upon the position of a movable fulcrum for the pivoted lever. The movable fulcrum is shifted to different positions by a movable abutment which is shifted by variations in fluid pressure acting thereon, the variation in the fluid pressure being effected through the medium of a plurality of magnet valve devices which are controlled according to the speed of the vehicle.

It is an object of my present invention to provide a brake control equipment of the character disclosed in the above-mentioned copending application and having simplified means for varying the position of the movable fulcrum according to variations in the speed of the vehicle.

Another object of my invention is to provide electropneumatic means for varying the position of the movable fulcrum in a brake control equipment of the above-indicated character whereby the ratio between the supply pressure and the control pressure may be reduced to a minimum ratio as the speed of the vehicle reduces as long as the electrical control circuits do not fail or break due to accident, and including means for insuring a ratio between the supply pressure and control pressure higher than the minimum ratio so as to provide adequate braking of the vehicle or train in the event of failure or rupture of the electrical control circuits.

Another object of my invention is to provide a brake control equipment, of the character indicated in the foregoing objects, having electroresponsive devices controlled by a governor device operated according to the speed of the vehicle and including an arrangement for preventing consumption of power by the electroresponsive devices except during an application of the brakes.

Another object of my invention is to provide a brake control equipment of the character indicated in the foregoing objects and including a speed-governor-operated device having a clutch arrangement whereby the governor device is operated according to the speed of the vehicle only during an application of the brakes.

The above objects, and other objects of my invention which will be made apparent hereinafter, are attained by means of an illustrative embodiment of my invention shown in the single figure of the accompanying drawing and described hereinafter in detail.

DESCRIPTION or Eqormnzn'r Referring tothe single figure of the drawing, the equipment shown comprises a brake cylinder 1 I, a source of fluid pressure such as a main reservoir I2, a brake valve device ii, a control pipe ll the fluid pressure in which is under the control of the brake valve device It, a straight-air pipe IS the fluid pressure in which controls or determines the fluid pressure in the brake cylinder ii, an application magnet valve device IS, a release magnet valve device a control switch mechanism l8 for controlling the application and release magnet valve devices It and il, a self-lapping magnet valve device l9 and a cut-off magnet valve device 2! for controlling the operation of the control valve mechanism i8, a speed-controlled or governor rheostat device 22 for controlling the self-lapping magnet valve device l9 and the cutoff magnet valve device 2|, and a source of electrical energy such as a storage battery 25.

Considering the parts of the equipment in greater detail, the brake valve device I3 is illustratively shown as of a simple rotary type having a rotary valve, not shown, which is operated by a handle 25. The handle 25 is normally in a release or running position and is operative to a service application position, an emergency applition position, and a lap position, in the well known manner of brake valve devices. With the handle 25 in release position, the rotary valve establishes communication whereby the control pipe I4 is connected to atmosphere. With the handle 25 in service application position, fluid under pressure is supplied from the main reservoir l2 through a pipe 26, hereinafter called the main reservoir pipe, to the control pipe H at a service rate. If it is desired to eifect a service application of the brakes, the operator shifts the handle 25 to the service application position and when a pressure corresponding to the desired degree of braking force is established in the control pipe I4, shifts the handle to lap position, wherein communication between the main reservoir pipe 26 and the conthus maintaining the established pressure in the control pipe I4.

If it is desired to effect an emergency applica tion-of the brakes, the operator turns the handle 25 to emergency position and thus causes communication to be established through which fluid under pressure is supplied from the main reservoir pipe 26 to the control pipe I4 at an emergency rate, the ultimate pressure obtained in the control pipe corresponding to the pressure of the fluid as supplied from the main reservoir. If desired, any suitable type of feed valve device may be provided whereby the maximum pressure established in the control pipe I4 in an emergency application of the brakes. is limited to a pressure lower than the pressure in the main reservoir I2,

The application magnet valve device I5 comprises a supply valve 28 and an electro-magnet 29 effective, when energized, to actuate a plunger 3| to unseat the supply valve 28 from a normal seated position against the yielding resistance of a spring 32. The supply valve 28 is contained in a chamber 33 which is constantly connected to a source of fluid pressure, such as the main reservoir pipe 26, through a branch pipe and passage 34. When the electro-magnet 29 is energized and the supply valve 28 correspondingly unseated communication is established between the chamber 33 and a chamber 35 which is connected to the straight-air pipe I5 through a branch pipe and passage 36.

The release magnet valve device I1 comprises a release valve 39 and an electro-magnet 4| effective, when-energized, to actuate a plunger 42 to unseat the release valve 39 from an associated valve seat against the yielding resistance of a coil spring 43. The release valve 39 is contained in a chamber 44 which is constantly connected, through a branch passage 45, to the passage and pipe 36 leading to the straight-air pipe I5. When the release valve 39 is unseated, it establishes communication between the chamber 44 and a chamber 46 which is constantly open to atmosphere through an exhaust port 41.

It will thus be apparent that when the release valve 39 is unseated and supply valve 28 is seated, in the manner shown in the drawing, straightair pipe I5 and the brake cylinder II, which is connected to the straight-air pipe I5 through a branch pipe 48, will be vented to atmosphere through the exhaust port 41 of the release magnet valve device I'I. It will also be apparent that when the release valve 39 is seated and supply valve 28 is unseated, fluid under pressure is supplied from the main reservoir pipe 26 to the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinderll I.

The control switch mechanism I8 comprises a casing having a chamber 58 in which is contained a fiuid-pressure-diiferential responsive device including a lever 5| pivotally movable on a movable fulcrum 52 and subject to the opposing moments exerted by the pressure in the control pipe I4 and the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5. As will be apparent in the drawing, the control pipe I4 is connected to a chamber 53 in the casing of the control switch mechanism I8 and the pressure in the chamber 53 acts on a diaphragm 64 for actuating a stem 55 pivotally connected to one end of the lever 5|. In a similar manner, the straight-air pipe I5 is connected to a chamber 51, and the pressure in the chamber 51 acts on a diaphragm 58', preferably of the same effective pressure area as the diaphragm 54,

for actuating a stem 59 which is pivotally connected to the opposite end of the lever 5|.

slidably carried on a reduced portion of the stem 59, as by an insulating bushing 8|, is a contact-bridging member 62 which is resiliently held between two spaced collars or flanges 63 and 64, fixed to the stem 59, by two coil springs 65 interposed between the respective flanges and the contact bridging member.

Associated with contact-bridging member 62 are an upper pair of spaced insulated contact members 66 and a lower pair of spaced insulated contact members 61.

A coil spring 60, contained in the chamber 51 and interposed between the diaphragm 58 and the casing normally urges the diaphragm 58 upwardly into engagement with a stop lug or seat 69, in which position contact-bridging member 62 engages the pair of contact members 66 in circuit-closing relation. When the stem 59 is shifted downwardly against the resistance of the spring 60, contact-bridging member 82 disengages contact members 66 and, after a predetermined movement downwardly, engages the contact members 61 in circuit-closing contact.

Corresponding terminals of the electro-magnets 29 and 4| of the application and release magnet valve devices I6 and II are connected, respectively,'to an application train wire II and a release train wire I2, through branch wires 13 and 14, respectively, the opposite terminals being both connected to one terminal of the battery 23 as through a ground connection in the manner shown, the grounded terminal of the battery 23 being hereinafter referred to as the negative terminal. The application train wire II is connected to one member of the pair of contact members 61 and the release train wire I2 is connected to one member of the pair of contact members 66, the remaining contact members 66 and 61 of each pair being connected to the positive terminal of the battery 23, as through a common wire '15.

It will thus be seen that when the contactbridging member 62 engages the contact membars 66, as shown in the drawing, the electromagnet 4| of the release magnet valve device I I is energized and the electro-magnet 29 of the application magnet valve device I6 is deenergized. It will also be seen that when the contact bridging member 62 engages the contact members 61, the electro-magnet 29 of the application magnet valve device I6 is energized and the electro-magnet 4| of the release magnet valve device I1 is deenergized.

The fulcrum 52 for the lever 5| may be in the form of a roller, as shown, and is carried on a lateral projection or tongue 86 of a rod or shaft 81 which is slidably supported at the opposite ends thereof by two pistons 88 and 89 fixed thereto that operate in separate bores 9| and 92. At the inner end of the bores 9| and 92 are annular end walls 93 and 94, respectively, each of which has a central opening through which the shaft 81, connecting the pistons 88 and 89, extends. Suitably fixed to the inner face of the annular end walls 93 and 94 are annular gasket seats 95 and 96, respectively, on which the pistons 88 and 89 are adapted to seat. The annular end walls 93 and 94 thus establish the extreme positions of the pistons 88 and 89, the end wall 93 being engaged by the. piston 88 upon shifting of the pistons in the right-hand direction and the end ,wall 04 being engaged by the piston 33 upon shifting of the plstons'in the left-hand direction from the central or neutral position shown.

Detachably secured to the main part of the casing of the control switch mechanism I3 is a casing section IOI having a bore I02 coaxially arranged with respect to the bore 9I and in which a piston I08 operates. The piston I33 has a stem I04 which projects through a central opening in a wall I05 at the inner end of the casing section MI, and an annular gasket I06, secured on the end wall I05, provides a seat on which the piston I03 seats upon the supply of fluid under pressure to a chamber I01 formed between the piston I03 and a cover I08 at the outer end of the casing section IOI.

The location of the end wall I05 and the length of the stem I04 of the piston I03 is such that, when the piston I03 is seated on the gasket seat I06, the stem I04 engages the piston 88 and shifts the pistons 88 and 89, together with the fulcrum roller 52, to a predetermined position, such as the position shown in the drawing, against the yielding opposition of a coil spring I09 acting through the medium of a stop element H on the outer face of the piston 89.

Formed between the piston 88 and the wall I05 is a chamber III adapted to be charged with fluid at different pressures. When the fluid pressure in chamber III is increased from atmospheric pressure, the pistons 88 and 89 and thus fulcrum 52 are shifted in the right-hand direction against the resistance of the spring I09 a distance proportional to the pressure until the piston 88 seats on the gasket seat 95. When the pressure in the chamber III is reduced toward atnipspheric pressure, the spring I09 shifts the pistons 88 and 89 and fulcrum 52 in a reverse direction in accordance with the reduction in pr e until the piston 88 reengages the end of the stein I04 of the piston I03. If the chamber I01 (is charged with fluid under pressure, the a spring I09 is ineffective to shift the pistons 08 and 89 further in the left-hand direction. If the chamber I01 is vented to atmosphere, the spring I09 is effective to continue to shift the pistons 88 and 89 further in the left-hand direction until the piston 89 seats on the gasket seat 96.

As will be made clear presently, the supply and the release of fluid under pressure to and from the chamber III is eifected under the control of the self-lapping valve device I9, and the supply and the release of fluid under pressure to and from the chamber I01 is under the control of the cut-off magnet valve device 2I.

The self-lapping magnet valve device I9 comprises a suitable casing containing asupply valve II5, a release valve H6, and an electro-magnet winding II1 for effecting operation of the valves H5 and H6. The supply valve H5 is contained in a chamber II8, which is connected to the main reservoir pipe 26 as through a branch pipe 9, and is normally yieldingly urged into seated relation on an associated valve seat by a coil spring I2I.

The release valve II6, which may be formed integral with the supply valve I I5 in the manner shown, is contained in a chamber I22 that is constantly connected to the chamber III of the control switch mechanism I8 by a pipe I23.

A flexible diaphragm I25 is suitably secured in the casing and has a chamber I26 at one side thereof which is open to the atmosphere through an exhaust port I21, and at the opposite side thereof a chamber I23 which is connected to the chamber I22 through a restricted port or passage I23.

The diaphragm I25 has a central opening in which a cylindrical sleeve or bushing I3I is secured. The sleeve I3I has a port I32 at the lower end thereof and, surrounding the port I32, a valve seat I33 on which the release valve I32 is adapted to seat. When the release valve H8 is unseated from the valve seat I33 on the sleeve I3I, communication is established between the chamber I22 and the connected chamber III of the control switch mechanism I8 through a hollow central passage in sleeve I3I to the chamber I26 and thus through the exhaust port I21 to atmosphere.

Associated with the electro-magnet winding H1 is a plunger I 35 to which is secured .a valve operating stem I36. Secured to the upper end of the stem I36 is a collar I31 and interposed between collar I31 and another collar I38, flxed in the casing of the self-lapping magnet valve device I9, is a lightly tensioned coil spring I39 which acts to shift the stem I36 and plunger I35 upwardly to a normal position when the electromagnet winding H1 is deenergized.

Interposed between the-lower end of the stem I36 and a lug I on the interior of the sleeve I3I is a floating stem I42. When the electro-m'agnet winding H1 is deenergized and stem I36 is accordingly raised to its uppermost position, the inherent resiliency of the diaphragm I25 raises the sleeve I3I to a position such that the release valve H6 is unseated and thus simultaneously causes the spring I2I to seat the supply valve I I5. When the electro-magnet winding H1 is energized, the stem I36is shifted downwardly with the plunger I35 and engages the floating stem I42 to cause it to actuate the sleeve I3I and diaphragm I25 downwardly. In moving downwardly, the sleeve I3I on the diaphragm I25 first engages the release valve II'6 to close the exhaust communication for the chamber III through the port I32 and then unseats the supply valve II5 against the yielding resistance of the spring I2I. With the supply valve I I5 unseated, communication is established from the main reservoir pipe 26 to the chamber III by way of the branch pipe II9, chambers H8 and I22, and pipe I23.

As pressure of the fluid builds up in the chamber III and the chamber I22, the pressure in the chamber I28 at the lower side of the diaphragm I 25 is correspondingly built up through the re stricted passage I29. When the force of the fluid under pressure in the chamber I28, urging the diaphragm I25 upwardly, slightly exceeds the force exerted downwardly due to energization of the electro-magnet winding II1, sleeve I3I is shifted upwardly, the spring I2I maintaining the release valve II6 seated on the associated valve seat I33. Upon sufllcient upward movement of the diaphragm I25 and sleeve I3I, the supply valve H5 is reseated to close off the further supply of fluid under pressure to the chamber III and thus further upward movement of the diaphragm and sleeve I3I is immediately stopped so that both the supply valve H5 and the release valve II 6 are seated to lap the supply of fluid under pressure to chamber III If the degree of energization, that is, the exciting current for the electro-magnet H1 is increased, the upward force of the fluid pressure in the chamber I28 is overcome and, consequently, the sleeve I3I is again shifted downwardly to unseat the supply valve H5 and thus cause fluid ber III to further increase the pressure therein.

.As in the previous case, when the pressure in the chamber I II and thus the pressure in the chamber-I28 at the lower side of the diaphragm I25 is such as to exert an upward force on the diaphragm slightly exceeding the force exerted downwardly thereon due to the energization of the magnet winding '1, the sleeve I3I is-again shifted upwardly clearly sufilcie'ntlyto reseat the supply valve II5 without unseatingflthe release valve II6. r

Itwill thus be apparent that the self-lapping magnet valve device I8 operates to establish a pressure in the chamber III of the control switch mechanism I8 which is proportional to the energizing current of the electro-magnet winding 1.

The cut-01f magnet valve device 2I comprises a casing containing a pair of oppositely seating valves I and I46, hereinafter designated the supply valve and release valve, respectively, and an electro-magnet winding I41 which is effective,

when energized, toactuate a plunger or stem I48 6 to shift the valves I45 and I46 to seated and unseated positions, respectively, against the yielding resistance of a spring I48. The supply valve I45 is contained in a chamber I5I which is connected to the main reservoir pipe 26, as through a branch pipe I52 of the pipe II8. Release valve I46 is contained in a chamber I53 which is constantly open to atmosphere through an exhaust port I54. v

Located between the chambers I 5I and I53 is a chamber I55 within which the fluted stems of the supply and release valves I45 and I46 meetin end-to-end contact, chamber I55 being constantly connected to the chamber II" of the control switch mechanism I8 through a pipe I51.

magnet valve device 2I is deenergized, the spring I49 acting on the release valve I46 urges the .supply valve I45 and the release valve I46 to .unseated and seated positions, respectively. The

release valve I46, when seated, cuts off communication between the chamber I55 and the atmospheric chamber I53 and the supply valve I45,

when unseated, establishes communication from the chamber I55 and the connected chamber I81 of the control switch mechanism I8 to the chamber I5I and the connected main reservoir pipe 26, thereby causing the chamber I81 to be charged with fluid under pressure from the main reservoir pipe 26.

When the electro-magnet I41 is energized and the valves I45 and I46 correspondingly shifted to. seated and unseated positions, respectively, the seated supply valve I45 cutsoif the communication between the main reservoir pipe 26 and the chamber I81 and the release valve I46 opens communication from the chamber I81 to the atmospheric chamber I53 to cause the fluid in the chamber I01 to be vented to atmosphere.

The governor rheostat device 22 comprises a rheostat device I6I, a centrifuge device I62 for operating the rheostat device I6I, and a clutch device I63 for controllingthe rotative connection between the centrifuge device I62 and a shaft or rod I64 which is rotated in any suitable manner according to the speed of the vehicle, as by connection to a wheel-axle of the vehicle.

The rheostat device I6I 'comprises a resistor I66 which is provided with a series of tap connections and tap contact members I61 adapted to be engaged and disengaged in succession by a movable contact member I68. For purposes of other bevel gear I83 fixed on the shaft I64.

under pressure to be again supplied to the cham-. illustration, the contact member I68: is shown as .When the rotary element "I is rotated, the flyballs I13 move outwardly and cause the inner end of the levers I12 to exert an upward force on the lower face of a flange or collar I14 fixed to a stem I15, thereby causing the stem I15 to move upwardly against the yielding resistance of a coil spring I16 that is interposed between the flange I14 and the casing of the device 22. The stem I15 is suitably journaled in the wall of the casing and extends to the exterior of the casing.

The. outer end of the stem I15 is bifurcated to V straddle the lever I68 carrying the movable contact member I68 of the rheostat device I6I and is pivotally connected to the lever I68, as by a pin I11 which extends through an elongated slot in the lever' I68.

The rotary element I1I of the'centrifuge device I62 is releasably connected to the shaft I64 by the clutch device I63. may comprise a clutch element or disc I8I having a hub whereby'it is suitably journaled in the casing of the device 22, the hub having fixed thereon a bevel gear I 82 which meshes with an- The clutch device I63 may further comprise another I clutch member I84 having an element I85 of When the electro-magnet I41 of the cut-off suitable friction material fixed in the face thereof adapted to engage the face of the clutch disc I8I in frictional relation to cause rotation of the clutch member I84 corresponding to the rotation of the clutch disc I8I.

The clutch member I84 includes a stem I86 which is coaxial to the hub of the member I84 and which is provided at the outer end thereof with a squared portion I81 that is slidably received in a corresponding recess formed in the hub portion of the rotary element In of the centrifuge device I62. Thus the rotary element HI and the clutch member I84 rotate together at all times notwithstanding movement of the clutch member I84 into and out of engagement with the clutch disc I8I.

The clutch member I84 is shifted into orout of engagement with the clutch disc I8I by means of a piston I88 and a lever I8I. The lever I8I is pivoted at one end on the casing of the device 22 and has a yoke I 82 formed thereon which straddles a reduced portion on the hub of the clutchmember I84, the other end of the lever I8! being pivotally connected to a stern I83 of the piston I88. At one side of the piston I88 is a chamber Y I85 which is constantly connected to the straight-air pipe I5, as through a branch pipe I86. Interposed between the opposite side of the piston I88 and the casing of the device 22, is a coil spring [81 which yieldingly urges the piston upwardly to shift the free end of the lever I8I correspondingly upward and effect disengagement of the clutch member I84 from the clutch disc I8I. When the pressure of the fluid supplied to the chamber I85 exceeds a certain low pressure, such as two or three pounds per square inch, sufficient to overcome the spring The clutch device I63" I91, the piston I99 is actuated downwardly thus causing the lever I9I to shift the clutch member I94 into frictional engagement with the clutch disc IN to establish a driving connection between the shaft I64 and the rotary member |1I of the centrifuge device I62.

The control circuits whereby the governor rheostat device 22 controls the self-lapping magnet valve device I9 and the cut-off magnet valve device 2I should be apparent from the drawing. The movable contact member I68 of the rheostat device I6I is connected to the positive terminal of the battery 23, as by the wire 15 and a branch wire 15a including a flexible portion. One end of the resistor I66 is connected by a wire I99 to one terminal of the electro-magnet winding II1 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I9 and one terminal of the electro-magnet winding I41 of cut-off magnet valve device 2I. The remaining terminals of the electro-magnets Ill and I41 are connected to the negative terminal of the battery 29, as through a ground connec-- tion in the manner indicated. Thus, when the contact member I68 engages the initial end tap contact member I61 and the succeeding tap contact members I61, the circuit is completed for energizing both the electro-magnet windings H1 and I41, the degree of energization of the electro-magnet windings depending upon the position of the lever I69, as determined by the speed of rotation of the centrifuge device I62, and the corresponding amount of the resistor I66 cut in the circuit.

OPERATION or EQUIPMENT (0) Charging of equipment With the main reservoir I2 charged to its normal pressure, as from a fluid compressor inthe usual manner, the main reservoir pipe 26 and the connected chamber 33 of the application magnet valve device I6 are charged to a corre sponding pressure. Assuming that the brake valve handle is in release position and that the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinder II are correspondingly at atmospheric pressure, chamber I95 at one side of the clutch actuating piston I89 is also at atmospheric pressure and consequently, the clutch member I94 is disengaged from the clutch disc I8I. The rotary element "I of the centrifuge device I62 is thus stationary and the spring I16 accordingly actuates the stem I15 downwardly to its lowermost position in which the movable contact member I68 on the lever I69 is disengaged from the end tap contact member I61 of the resistor I66. The circuit for energizing the electro-magnet windings I I1 and I41 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I9 and the cut-off magnet valve device 2|, respectively, is thus interrupted and devices I9 and 2| positioned as shown in the drawing. The chamber III of the control switch mechanism I8 is thus vented to atmosphere under the control of the self-lapping magnet valve device I9 and the chamber I91 is charged with fluid under, pressure from the main reservoir pipe 26 under the control of the cut-off magnet valve device 2I. With chamber I91 charged with fluid under pressure fulcrum 52 is shifted to the normal position thereof as shown in the drawing.

(1)) Application of the brakes If the vehicle or train is traveling alongthe road at a relatively high speed and an application of the brakes is desired, the operator operates the brake valve device I9 to establish a pressure in the control pipe I4 corresponding to the desired degree of application of the brakes. For purposes of illustration let it be supposed that the operator effects a service application of the brakes and establishes a pressure of seventyflve pounds per square inch in the control pipe Upon the supply of fluid under pressure to pipe I4 andthe connected chamber 53 of the control switch mechanism I8, the lever 5| is pivoted in a clockwise direction on the fulcrum roller 52 so that the contact-bridging member 62 is shifted downwardly out of engagement with the contact members 66 and into engagement with the contact member 61. The release magnet valve device I1 is thus deenergized and the application magnet valve device I6 energized in succession and fluid under pressure is accordingly supplied from the main reservoir pipe 26 to the straight-air pipe l5 and the brake cylinder II.

When the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5 and the connected chamber I95 of the governor device 22 exceeds a relatively low pressure, such as two or three pounds per square inch, suflicient to effect engagement of the clutch members I84 and I8I, the rotary element I1I of the centrifuge device I62 is connected to the shaft I64 and then rotates at a speed corresponding to the speed of the vehicle or train.

Since the vehicle or train is traveling at a relatively high speed, the lever I69 and the movable contact member I68 is correspondingly positioned so as to cut out the major portion of the resistor I66 and thus cause the electro-magnet windings H1 and I41 of the self-lapping magnet valve device. I9 and cut-off magnet valve device 2I to be energized by a relatively high current.

Chamber III of the control switch mechanism I8 is thus charged to a fluid pressure corresponding in degree to the speed of the vehicle or train at the time the application of the brakes is initiated, and magnet valve device 2I is operated to vent the chamber I91 at the left of the piston I93 to atmosphere through port I54.

Assuming that the pressure of the fluid established in the chamber III is sufficient to shift the piston 68 in the right-hand direction into seated relation on the gasket seat 95, fulcrum roller 52 will be correspondingly shifted to an extreme position in the right-hand direction. For purposes of illustration let it be assumed that the extreme right-hand position of the fulcrum roller 52 is such as to provide a ratio of four-to-one between the moment arm of the stem 55 and the moment arm of stem 59.

It will be apparent that, in such case, the contact member 62 will be maintained in engagement with the contact members 61 to cause fluid under pressure to be supplied to the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinder II until the pressure in the straight-air pipe and brake cylinder is substantially four times the pressure established in the control pipe I4, the diaphragms 54 and 59 being assumed to have the same effective pressure areas. When the stem 59 and the contact member 62 are shifted upwardly in response to the increase of the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5 and the chamber 51, contact member 62 disengages the contact members 61 to cause deenergization of the release magnet valve device I1 and the consequent cut-off of further supply of fluid under pressure to the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinder I I.

Further upward movement of the stem 59 and contact member 62 is stopped before the contact member 62 reengages the contact members '66 and, thus, both the application and release magnet valve devices I6 and I1 remain deenergized to lap the supply of fluid under pressure to the straight-air pipe I6 and brake cylinder II.

If the extreme right-hand position of the fulcrum roller 52 is such as to establish a ratio of four-to-one between the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5 and the pressure in control pipe I4, it will be seen that a pressure of three hundred pounds per square inch will be established in the straight-air pipe and brake cylinder, with a pressure of seventy-five pounds per square inch established in the control pipe I4.

respondingly reduce the pressure in the cham- 1 her III of the control switch mechanism as the speed of the vehicle reduces. The spring I09 thus acts to shift the pistons 88 and 89 back toward the original position shown in the drawing, the position of the fulcrum roller 52 corresponding at any particular instant to the pressure in the chamber III.

As the fulcrum roller 52 moves back toward its central or neutral position shown in the drawing, the ratio between the moment arm of the stem 55 and the moment arm of the stem 59 decreases and thus the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5 and chamber 51 is effective to exert a moment of force on the pivoted lever 5| which overbalances the moment exerted by the pressure of the fluid in the control pipe It and chamber 53. The lever 5I is accordingly pivoted in a counterclockwise direction and reengagement of the contact member 62 with the contact members 66 effected. Thereupon, the

release magnet valve device I1 is energized and the release valve 39 unseated to effect the release of fluid under pressure from the straightair pipe I5 and brake cylinder II. q

When the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinder II reduces sufhciently that the moment of force exerted on the lever 5! by the pressure of fluid in the control pipe 14 and chamber 53 slightly exceeds the moment of force exerted by the straight-air pipe pressure acting in chamber 51, the lever 5I is pivoted in a clockwise direction suiilciently to cause disengagement of the contact member 62' from the contact members 66. The release magnet valve device I1 is thus immediately deenergizd and the release valve 39 reseated to cut off the further release of fluid under pressure from the straightair pipe I5 and brake cylinder II. Since the release of fluid under pressure from the straightair pipe I5 is cut off, further downward movement of the stem 59 is stopped and thus the contact member 62 pauses midway between and out of engagement with the two sets of contact members 66 and 61 so that the supply of pressure to the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinder II is lapped.

It will be apparent that since the speed of the vehicle or train is constantly reducing due to the application of the brakes, the pressure in the chamber III of the control switch mechanism I8 will be also proportionately reducing so that the fulcrum roller 52 will also correspondingly move toward the left-hand direction to effect corresponding reduction in the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinder II according to the reduction in the ratio between the control pipe pressure and straight-air pipe pressure as determined by the position of the fulcrum roller.

The electro-magnet I41 of the cut-off magnet valve device 2| is so designed that as long as the movable contact member I68 engages any of the tap contact members I61 of the resistor I66, it continues effective to actuate the valves I45 and I46 to seated and unseated positions, respectively, so as to maintain the chamber I01 of the control switch mechanism I8 vented to atmosphere. The contact member I60 of the rheostat device I6I does not disengage the end contact member I61 of the resistor I66 until the vehicle or train comes to a complete stop and thus it will be seen that the chamber I01 remains vented to atmosphere until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

Accordingly, as the pressure in the chamber III is reduced under the control of the self-lapping magnet valve device I9, the piston I03 is ineffective to oppose movement of the pistons 86 and 89 when, due to the reduction of the pressure in the chamber III, spring I09 shifts the pistons 88 and 89 sufiiciently in the left-hand direction to cause the piston 88 to engage the end of the stem I04 of the piston I03.

Upon a sufficient reduction of the pressure in the chamber III in proportion to the reducing speed of the vehicle, the spring I09 is thus effective to continue to shift the pistons 88 and 89 in the left-hand direction until the piston 89 seats on the gasket seat 96, which determines the extreme left-hand position of the pistons and the fulcrum roller 52.

The gasket seat 96 may be located as desired to establish any selected minimum ratio between the moment arm of the stem 55 and the moment arm of stem 59. Assuming, for example, that the extreme left-hand position of the fulcrum roller 52 is such that the moment arm of the stems 55 and 59 are in the ratio of two-to-three, it will be apparent that the pressure in the straight-air pipe I5 and brake cylinder II will be automatically reduced, due to the shifting of the fulcrum roller 52, to a minimum pressure which is two-thirds of the pressure established in.the control pipe I4. Assuming a pressure of seventyfive pounds per square inch to be established in the control pipe I4, it will be seen that the minimum pressure thus established in the straightair pipe I5 will be fifty pounds per square inch.

When the vehicle is completely stopped and the movable contact member I68 disengages the end tap contact member I61 of the resistor I66, the circuit for energizing the electro-magnet windings H1 and I41 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I9 and the cut-off magnet valve device 2I is interrupted and, thus, the pressure in the chamber III is reduced to atmospheric pressure and the chamber I01 is again charged with fluid under pressure from the main reservoir pipe 26. When the pressure in the chamber I01 increases sufficiently, the piston I03 is shifted in the righthand direction to cause the pistons 88 and 89 to be shifted in the right-hand direction against the opposing resistance of the spring I09. when the maximum pressure is established in the chamber I01, the piston I08 is shifted into seated engagement on the gasket seat I06 and thus the pistons 88 and 89 are again positioned, as shown in the drawing, with the fulcrum roller 52 in its central position midway between the stems 55 and 59.

Thereupon, since the moment on the lever 5| in a clockwise direction exerted by the pressure of fluid in the control pipe ll exceeds the moment in a. counter-clockwise direction exerted by the straight-air pipe pressure, thecontact member 62 is again shifted downwardly into engagement with the contact members 61 to eflect energization of the application magnet valve device 16 and a consequent increase in the pressure in straight-air pipe l5 and brake cylinder ll corresponding to the position of the fulcrum roller 52. With the fulcrum roller 52 midway between the stems 55 and 59, it will be apparent that the moment arms of the stems are equal and thus the supply of pressure in the straight-air pipe I! and brake cylinder II will be lapped when the pressure in the straight-air pipe i5 is increased substantially to the pressure established in the control pipe I, which in the case assumed, is seventy-five pounds per square inch.

It will thus be seen that when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the brake cylinder pressure is automatically increased to a desired ratio, such as a one-to-one ratio, with the pressure established in the control pipe I4.

It will be apparent that the operator retains control of the brakes at all times and that he may operate the brake valve device I3 to vary the pressure in the control pipe l4 and, correspondingly, the pressure in the straight-air pipe l5 and brake cylinder H. Thus, when the vehicle comes to a complete stop on a grade, the operator may increase the pressure in the control pipe I to any desired degree so as to provide adequate brake cylinder pressure to hold the vehicle or train on the grade against creepage.

If the vehicle or train is traveling at an intermediate speed at the time the application of the brakes is initiated, it will be apparent that the pressure in the chamber III of the control switch mechanism I8 is correspondingly less than in the previously described instance, and that, therefore, the initial ratio between the pressure established in the straight-air pipe and brake cylinder and the control pipe pressure will be correspondingly less. The ratio between the straight-air pipe pressure and the control pipe pressure will, as in the previous case, be decreased subsequently according to the reduction in the speed of the vehicle during the application of the brakes.

In the event of a failure of the control circuit for the self-lapping magnet valve device I! and cut-oil magnet valve device 2|, as by breakage or ground fault, the fulcrum roller 52 remains in the position shown in the drawing. Thus, an adequate ratio between the pressure in the straight-air pipe l5 and in the control pipe I4 is maintained to enable the application of the brakes to a sufficient degree to insure safe stopping of the vehicle or train.

It will be apparent that with the electromagnet ill of cut-ofi magnet valve device 2! deenergized, the chamber ill! of the control switch mechanism I8 is immediately charged with fluid under pressure from main reservoir pipe 26 and thus, notwithstanding the loss of pressure in the I chamber Ill due to the deenergization of the electro-magnet winding ll! of self-lapping magnet valve device IB, the spring I09 is unable to shift the pistons 88 and 89 beyond the position shown in the drawing wherein the fulcrum roller 5 52 is positioned as desired, such as midway between the stem 55 and 59.

SUMMARY Summarizing, it will be seen that I have provided an equipment adapted to control applications of the brakes on a vehicle or train automatically according to the speed of travel thereof. The equipment includes a fluid-pressure-difierential responsive device including a pivoted lever, subject to the opposing moments of a control pressure and a supply pressure and Operative to control the degree of the supply pressure in varying ratio to the control pressure dependent upon the position of a movable fulcrum of a pivoted lever.

The position of the movable fulcrum corresponds to that of a movable abutment which is shiftable between extreme positions in opposite directions according to variations in fluid pressure acting on the abutment. A self-lapping magnet valve device, controlled according to the speed of the vehicle, controls the pressure acting on the abutment according to the speed of the vehicle.

An additional abutment is adapted to be subject to fluid under pressure to automatically shift the flrst mentioned abutment and thus the fulcrum roller of the pivoted lever to a certain uniform position suflicient to provide adequate braking for the vehicle at all times when the vehicle comes to a stop and, in emergencies, upon failure, as by breakage, of electrical control circuits.

A feature of my invention is a governor-operated rheostat device having a clutch arrangement whereby the device is non-operative except upon applications of the brakes. The need for servicing and service expense is minimized and the life of the governor rheostat device extended due to the minimum time the device is in use.

While I have illustrated and described a brake equipment including only one brake cylinder, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various omissions, additions or modifications may be made in the equipment shown, without departing from the spirit of my invention, in order to adapt the equipment to the control of a complete brake system for a train of cars. It is, therefore, not my intention to limit the scope of my invention except as it is necessitated by the scope of the prior art.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a vehicle brake system, brake control means including a pivoted lever subject to the opposing moments exerted by a control pressure and a supply pressure which determines the degree of application of the brakes, a fulcrum for said lever movable to diflerent positions to vary the ratio between the control pressure and the supply pressure, means providing a chamber adapted to be charged with fluid at diiferent pressures, a movable abutment shiftable to different positions according to the pressure in said chamber for causing a corresponding shifting of 70 the said fulcrum, and a variably excited current responsive device for causing variation in the pressure in said chamber corresponding to variation in the exciting current thereof.

2. In a vehicle brake system, brake control 76 means including a pivoted lever subject to the opposing moments exerted by a control pressure and a supply pressure which determines the degree of application of the brakes, a fulcrum for said lever movable to different positions to vary the ratio between the control pressure and the supply pressure, means providing a chamber adapted to be charged with fluid at diiferent pressures, a movable abutment shiftable to different positions according to the pressure in said chamber for causing a corresponding shifting of the said fulcrum, and a self-lapping magnet valve device for controlling the pressure in the said chamber.

3. In a vehicle brake system, brake control means including a pivoted lever subject to the opposing moments exerted by a control pressure and a supply pressure which determines the degree of application of the brakes, a fulcrum for said lever movable to different positions to vary the ratio between the control pressure and the supply pressure, means providing a chamber adapted to be charged with fluid at diiferent pressures, a movable abutment shiftable to different positions according to the pressure in said chamber for causing a corresponding shifting of the said fulcrum, a variably excited current-responsive device for causing variation in the pressure in said chamber corresponding to variation in the exciting current thereof, and means controlled according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle for controlling the degree of the exciting current for said current-responsive device.

4. In a vehicle brake system, brake control means including a pivoted lever subject to the opposing moments exerted by a control pressure and a supply pressure which determines the degree of application of the brakes, a fulcrum for said lever movable to difierent positions to vary the ratio between the control pressure and the supply pressure, means providing a chamber adapted tobe charged with fluid at diiferent pressures, a movable abutment shiftable to different positions according to the pressure in said chamber for causing a corresponding shifting of the said fulcrum, a self-lapping magnet valve device for controlling the pressure in the said chamber, and means conditioned according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle for controlling the said self-lapping magnet valve device,

5. In a vehicle brake system, means for chesting an application of the brakes, means controlled according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle for automatically the braking force with which the application of the brakes is efiected to a certain minimum degree V'during the applicationof the brakes, and means eflective when the motion of the vehicle stops for automatically efl'ecting an increase in the braking force .to a degree higher than said certain minimum de ree,

means including a pivoted lever for controlling the degree of braking force with which the application of the brakes is effected, a movable fulcrum for said lever having a certain normal position and adapted when shifted in one direction from said normal position to eflect a reduction in the degree of braking force, means controlled according to the speed of the vehicle for causing said fulcrum to be shifted in the said one direction as the speed of the vehicle reduces, and means operative when the motion of the vehicle is stopped for automatically causing the said fulcrum to be shifted to its normal position.

'5. In a vehicle brake system, self-lapping means including a pivoted lever for controlling the degree of braking force with which application of the brakes is effected, a movable fulcrum for said lever having a certain normal position and so arranged that when shifted in one direction from said normal position the self -lapping means is conditioned to operate to establish a lower degree of braking force, electro-pneumatically controlled means for causing the said fulcrum to be moved in the said one direction from its normal position, and means efiective when the motion of the vehicle is stopped for rendering the electro-pneumatically controlled means ineffective to shift the said fulcrum in the said one direction from its normal position.

8. In a vehicle brake system, self-lapping means including a pivoted lever for controlling the degree of braking force with which the application of the brakes is effected, a movable fulcrum for said lever having a certain normal position, means including electro-responsive means eifective during an application of the brakes to cause the said fulcrum to move in one direction from said normal position to cause the selflapping means to operate to eifect a reduction in the braking force, and means effective upon the failure of the operating circuit of the electroresponsive means, for causing the said fulcrum to be returned to its normal position.

9. In a vehicle brake system, in combination,

mains for establishing a control fluid pressure,

fluid pressure operated self-lapping switch means operably responsive to said control pressure for establishing a brake applying pressure, and electroresponsive means having the degree of energimtion thereof progressively varied in response and according to variations in a variable operating condition of the vehicle for controlling the ratio between said two pressures.

10. a vehicle brake system, in combination, means for establishing a control fluid pressure, switch means operably responsive to said control pressure for establishing a brake applying pressure, and electroresponsive means having the degree of on thereof progressively varied in response and according to variations in the speed of the vehicle for varying the ratio between said two pressures.

DONALD L. MCNEAL. 

